TEDxBroadway Organizers Release 2018 Talks Online
The organizers of TEDxBroadway announced the release of the talks from the sold-out event held February 27, 2018 at New World Stages. The one-day event exclusively dedicated to asking, “What’s the Best Broadway Can Be?” showcased a wide variety of experts from an even wider variety of backgrounds, industries and perspectives.
From the idea of “a Rooney Rule for Broadway” to the “Virtue of Not Always Playing It Cool” to “#StartListening” and beyond, the 2018 TEDxBroadway was — as one attendee put it — “insightful, inspiring, informative and fun.”
Each talk, curated by TEDxBroadway organizers/co-founders Damian Bazadona of Situation Interactive and Jim McCarthy, CEO of Goldstar, is a one-of-a-kind narrative to drive important conversations and inspire all who have a stake in the future of Broadway.
“TEDxBroadway brings the community together as a whole; we sit together, listen together and learn together,” says another one of this year’s attendees. “I feel there is great value in hearing thoughts and opinions of other people from other walks of life, from other industries, with life experiences that differ from mine. Our industry is a tiny bubble; TEDxBroadway expands that bubble each year.”
The TEDxBroadway 2018 Talks:
Rumi, Zen, Jazz Hands: My Musical Theater Journey by David Yazbek
Broadway composer and recording artist David Yazbek explains how we’re all hungry for entertainment, but what we’re really in need of, what we’re starving for, is connection. Yazbek shares how Zen Buddhism and Rumi helped him find that connection, and helped him create art in unity. Plus, he shares how that unity means his music is also yours.
#StartListening by Joshua Jackson & Lauren Ridloff
He didn’t understand sign language, she hadn’t used her voice in 26 years, but they still found ways to trust and communicate. Joshua Jackson and Lauren Ridloff share the story of their first rehearsal for their Broadway debuts in Children of a Lesser God, and how they were able to find a connection and understanding through their vulnerability and desire to be heard.
A Revelation of Space by David Korins
You don’t need to be a set designer to design. As David Korins points out, we’re all starring in a show called “Your Life,” and we should create a set we love. He shares his three-step process for design that works not only for Broadway shows, but also for your home and the world. He challenges his audience to rethink architectural standards, remember that color is emotion and also that Mother Nature may not carve an interesting or helpful path for you — you’ve got to do it yourself.
How Broadway Saved New York City by Michael Riedel
When people talk about what saved New York City in the 1970s, they mention Wall Street, the
real estate market or law enforcement, but they rarely mention Broadway. Broadcaster and journalist Michael Riedel explains how theater, and Broadway specifically, played a huge part in revitalizing and saving New York — and how a partnership between two friends and a Broadway show without a star made it happen.
The Agony & Ecstasy of Fundraising by Karen Brooks Hopkins
The arts industry has a serious problem — cash. Despite the fact that the arts can foster community, bring in money to local economies and inspire a love of learning, funding for the arts is a low priority. That means fundraisers at arts organizations have the important task of keeping their companies — and the industry at large — alive. Karen Brooks Hopkins pulls from more than 30 years of fundraising experience to share the trials and triumphs of this important job, and encourages anyone interested to join the cause.
A Rooney Rule for Broadway by Jim Joseph
Hamilton, and its diverse cast, is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon. The reality for most Broadway shows is very different. Jim Joseph, theater manager at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, talks about the importance of diversity and seeing yourself represented on stage. He challenges the Broadway world to remember that diversity matters and explains how bringing in creators with a wider variety of perspectives is not only good for audiences, but for the bottom lines of organizations.
The Virtue of Not Playing It Cool by Melissa Anelli
Interviewing J.K. Rowling in her home, working with 50,000 passionate fans and creating a successful business based on fandom — none of these things would have happened if Melissa Anelli had played it cool. She encourages the audience to question the value of “playing it cool,” to embrace their uncool moments, and use these moments to find their passion, joy and purpose.
Where Does Your Soul Live? by Patricia Ione Lloyd
Since she was six-years-old, playwright Patricia Ione Lloyd has been listening to her gut and using it to help her find her path. That’s led to the realization that she can use her talents as a writer to share stories that reflect the times and bring black women out of the shadows and into the spotlight. She encourages her audience to use their art to open hearts and minds, and not worry about catering “to the tourists.”
Building a Bridge With Music by Daniel & Ken Trush
When Daniel Trush was in a coma at age 13, his father Ken made a promise: If Daniel survived, his life would be meaningful and his family would make a meaningful contribution to their community. Daniel did survive, and that meaningful contribution took the form of Daniel’s Music Foundation, which helps build a bridge to connect disabled people with the rest of society. Daniel and Ken share how music has impacted Daniel’s recovery, their lives, and now, their community.
Can Community Development Occur Through Gentrification? by Edward Poteat
Gentrification has some pretty negative connotations, but affordable housing developer Edward Poteat wants to change that. He explains that if we minimize the negative aspects of gentrification and maximize the good, the community as a whole can benefit. In his talk, he lays out three powerful ideas that can help make this happen.
Change the World: Tell the Untold Story by Ron Simons
Stories don’t just entertain — they help enable communication, understanding and the possibilities for change, growth and learning. Producer and actor Ron Simons shares his work, telling stories that address homophobia, racism and more. His method: Tell a universal story through a unique lens. He challenges his audience to figure out what universal truths are in the stories they want to tell, and how these stories can help generations to come.
5 Stars by Ryan Chang
Who knew you could learn so much from your Uber rating? Ryan Chang explains how his low rating reminded him that the connections he makes in his work tutoring kids shouldn’t stop in the classroom. His message: Connect and see where it takes you — could be a higher Uber rating or something much more powerful.
The Transformative Power of Dear Evan Hansen by Julie Stroud
Seeing a reflection of yourself on stage can be a powerful moment, as Julie Stroud explains. Her experience watching the Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen opened up a well of compassion, not only for the characters, but also for herself. She encourages her audience to engage with theater in a more active way, and use theater to illuminate the parts of ourselves that need light.
The Fun Business by Staci Slaughter
If you work in the entertainment industry, you’re in the business of bringing joy and happiness to others. But as Staci Slaughter points out, many times it isn’t fun at all behind the scenes. While many in the industry wear their stress like a badge, she shares what happened when the San Francisco Giants changed that attitude and started having fun. (Spoiler Alert: It includes a World Series win.)
Be a Trojan Horse: The Power of Being Underestimated by Angel Rich
If you want to succeed in life, Angel Rich says to look no further than the Iliad and the story of the Trojan Horse. By letting people underestimate you, and by using their own egos against them, you can “get inside the walls” and change things from within. From Hollywood to Silicon Valley to Broadway, Rich explains how people with strategy, patience, guts and grit will transform the world — from the inside.
“Freedom” By Beyoncé (Feat. Kendrick Lamar) by Broadway for All
Broadway for All’s talented group of performers, kids and teens from all income levels and ethnic backgrounds sing Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar’s powerful song about seeking freedom, and remind the audience that “a winner doesn’t quit on themselves.”
TEDxBroadway is sponsored by Jujamcyn Theatres, Broadway.com, The Shubert Organization, The Nederlander Organization, Disney Theatrical Productions and EBG (Entertainment Benefits Group). With additional support provided by The Brazen Tavern.
Follow TEDxBroadway on Twitter: @TEDxBroadway and learn more about TEDxBroadway at www.TEDxBroadway.com
